Florida experienced a slight decrease in unemployment claims as January came to a close, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday. The report estimated that 5,685 initial unemployment applications were filed in Florida during the week ending February 1, down from 5,747 claims during the week ending January 25.
While the decline is modest, it marks a positive trend for the state, which has averaged 6,434 weekly unemployment claims over the past four weeks. Nationally, however, unemployment claims rose slightly, with 219,000 new claims filed last week compared to 208,000 the previous week.
Despite the decrease in unemployment claims, Florida is bracing for potential job losses in the coming months. E-TeleQuote Insurance, a Tampa-based company, notified the state Department of Commerce on Monday that it plans to lay off 218 employees from its Tampa facility on April 4. The layoffs are not reflected in the Department of Labor’s most recent estimates but could impact future unemployment figures.
Additionally, The Bellwether Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach has extended the layoff period for 107 employees who were initially let go on September 27, 2024, due to damage caused by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. The resort previously expected employees to return to work by April 1 but now anticipates the layoffs will continue through July 1.
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In a January 24 notification to the state, the company stated, “We anticipate this layoff to be temporary until the hotel is able to open to the public.” The extended layoffs highlight the ongoing challenges faced by businesses in hurricane-affected areas as they work to recover and rebuild.
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